Kosofe Chamber Unveils Cooperative Society, Offering Low-Interest Loans for Entrepreneurs
LAGOS/Nigeria: In a dynamic convergence of commerce and faith, the Kosofe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in partnership with the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Nigeria, held a landmark business conversation event aimed at empowering entrepreneurs in a time of economic instability.
The event, which brought together industry leaders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and emerging business owners, was designed to address key challenges facing Small Business Owners (SBOs), while offering practical solutions in the areas of funding, business development, innovation, and spiritual resilience.
Welcoming participants to the gathering, Mr. Joe Femi-Dagunro, Founder and President of KCCI, emphasized the urgent need for SBOs to embrace collaboration and innovation, especially in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He unveiled the newly inaugurated KCCI Cooperative Multipurpose Society, a platform designed to provide members with access to single-digit loans for business consolidation and expansion.
“Even in the face of global economic turbulence and local security threats, we must not kill our dreams or wallow in regret,” Femi-Dagunro charged. “This is the time to push forward with bold, intelligent solutions.”
Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Charles Aladewolu, Founder and Chairman of TECO Group, shared inspiring insights from his 45-year entrepreneurial journey, stressing the importance of integrity, vision, and reliance on God in business. “If we operate with a clear God-given purpose and stay resilient, success is inevitable, regardless of the economic terrain,” he noted.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, Founder and CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), echoed similar sentiments, urging entrepreneurs to focus on their core competencies. “Avoid the temptation of get-rich-quick schemes. Consistency, patience, and godliness are keys to sustainable business success,” he advised, while also calling on the government to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Veteran journalist and publisher of RealNews magazine, Ms. Maureen Chigbo, addressed the importance of resilience and qualifications, particularly among women in business. “Don’t depend solely on dreams—back them with knowledge and experience,” she advised.
Adding an international perspective, Dr. Michael David, Programme Director of the U.S. Soy Excellence Center for Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the importance of diligence, truthfulness, and faith. “Believe that God can do it, but also do your part with excellence,” he said.
Ambassador Aminu Simon, former Nigerian representative at ECOWAS, emphasized networking and partnerships rooted in sincerity and trust as pathways to long-term business growth.
The event’s panel discussions were interactive, with speakers providing tangible answers to questions raised by participants. Several attendees received job offers and contract opportunities, while mentoring initiatives by FGBMFI were also announced by District Coordinator, Mr. Sunny Beyioku.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Thomas Oloriegbe, President of FGBMFI Ogudu Chapter, expressed gratitude to KCCI for the fruitful collaboration, describing the programme as timely and transformative for entrepreneurs navigating today’s volatile economic landscape.
The Kosofe Business Conversation successfully blended business insights with spiritual principles, providing hope, direction, and actionable knowledge for a resilient entrepreneurial community.
